Combined ganciclovir and foscarnet in pediatric cytomegalovirus retinitis

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is the leading cause of blindness in adults and children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although clinical trials on therapy exist for adults, management of cytomegalovirus retinitis in children is not as well-documented. This report describes the clinical course of a 3-year-old child with cytomegalovirus retinitis. After initial failure with single-agent ganciclovir intravenous treatment, early institution of combined treatment with foscarnet and ganciclovir halted progression of the retinitis. This case report highlights the aggressive nature of cytomegalovirus retinitis in children and the consideration of early combined therapy compared to adult patients.